City Girl Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of "City Girl" impresses with a remarkable 1080p, MPEG-4/AVC encoded transfer that maintains its original 1.19:1 aspect ratio. Despite the film's age of over 90 years, the visual quality is striking. The transfer is meticulous, displaying an almost pristine image with only minor visible debris and slight camera wobble, which are understandable when considering its historical context. The level of grain is subtle and non-intrusive, suggesting potential DNR application, but crucially, the film retains its natural detail without any telltale signs of digital manipulation. The textures of skin, clothing, and structures are accurately portrayed, thanks to the expertise of the Masters of Cinema technicians.

The contrast and clarity of "City Girl" are particularly noteworthy. Blacks are solid with adequate shadow detail, as evidenced in interior scenes like Kate’s apartment and the farm loft. Brighter outdoor sequences, such as Lem and Kate's moments in the wheat fields, shine without bloom and exhibit substantial depth. The encoding is flawless; there are no evident anomalies, blocking, or haloing. This high-definition master, encoded in 1080p AVC format on a BD25, steers clear of heavy-handed digital restoration techniques like HD-DVNR or MTI, preserving the film’s tonal quality.

The monochromatic gradation in "City Girl" is vivid with perfectly balanced contrast and depth. Blacks are deep and defining, whites are bright but not overblown, and the gradient of gray is rich and smooth. Minor imperfections like vertical scratches and white specks are minimal and do not distract from the viewing experience. This release showcases Murnau's expert framing and evocative use of light and shadow beautifully in high definition. Additionally, this edition is region-free and import-friendly, lacking any PAL or 1080i/50-encoded data, making it accessible to a global audience.

The audio presentation of "City Girl" on Blu-ray features a 2008 score by Christopher Caliendo, delivered in a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. While some may argue that a stereo 2.0 track could have sufficed given the minimal engagement of the surround channels, the 5.1 format nevertheless provides a robust audio experience. The score predominantly originates from the frontal array, with some nuanced panning to the left and right for strings, piccolos, and low oboes, creating a surprisingly expansive and immersive soundstage.

From a technical perspective, the audio track excels in clarity and balance. The middle and higher tones are highlighted, with subtle use of low-frequency effects (LFE) during intense moments, such as the storm sequence in the film's final act. Notably, there is no clipping at higher volumes, ensuring a smooth auditory experience. The rear channels primarily contribute ambient reverb and space, enhancing the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative. Despite the modern feel of the score potentially contrasting with the film's 1930 visuals, the mix remains dynamically balanced with excellent instrument separation, from crisp flutes to emotive strings and brisk guitars.

In summary, while some purists might find Caliendo's contemporary score at odds with "City Girl's" vintage imagery, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track presents it with exceptional fidelity and detail. It respects the film's mood by not overly utilizing all speaker channels and providing a meticulously defined audio landscape—a testament to both the composer's efforts and the technical execution of this release.

The Blu-ray release of "City Girl" features a limited but high-quality selection of extras. The standout inclusion is an engrossing audio commentary by film scholar David Kalat, who meticulously details Murnau's work and its context within Hollywood's historical framework. Kalat's commentary is densely packed with insights, providing substantial information about both "City Girl" and Murnau's fraught relationship with Fox. Although Kalat's delivery can sometimes feel overly pre-written, the depth of knowledge shared compensates for this. Additionally, the release includes a 28-page booklet that complements the commentary with evocative stills from the film and a well-crafted essay by Adrian Danks. Despite its brevity, the booklet adds invaluable context and visual appreciation to the cinematic experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Kalat: In-depth discussion on Murnau and "City Girl" with historical insights.
• Booklet: 28-page booklet featuring photographs and an essay by Adrian Danks.

"City Girl," a lesser-known gem by F.W. Murnau, offers a breathtaking exploration of the pastoral genre through the lens of American life. Released on Blu-ray as part of Eureka's Masters of Cinema series, this film stands as a testament to Murnau's genius and tragic career trajectory. Known for early horror masterpieces like "Nosferatu" and "Faust," Murnau's move to Hollywood led to "Sunrise" and eventually "City Girl." Here, the narrative focuses on Lem, a country boy who ventures to Chicago, where he meets and marries Kate, a waitress with dreams of an idyllic rural life. The urban scenes are chaotic and disorienting, filled with catcallers and artificiality, masterfully contrasting with the seemingly utopian countryside.

However, the pastoral idyll quickly unravels. Lem's father, a stern taskmaster played with intensity by David Torrence, perceives Kate as a corrupting influence, reducing her to servitude. The film astutely challenges the romanticized view of rural life as pure and morally superior. Stunningly shot scenes, like Lem and Kate running through a wheat field, showcase Murnau's evolving realistic mode of filmmaking. Although the Hollywood-enforced happy ending feels somewhat disjointed, "City Girl" remains a brilliant example of the silent film medium at its peak.

Despite Murnau leaving the film to be edited by Caldwell and Hilliker, and subsequent studio interference to partially convert it into a talkie, "City Girl" stands toe-to-toe with "Sunrise," offering a thematic reversal while maintaining visual splendor. The Blu-ray release allows for these richly textured visuals to be appreciated anew. Particularly notable is how this work influenced later filmmakers like Terrence Malick, evident in the visual and thematic parallels in "Days of Heaven." In sum, "City Girl" is a must-see for silent film enthusiasts and stands as a significant piece in the evolution of cinematic expression.

"City Girl" on Blu-ray is a remarkably restored presentation of F.W. Murnau’s 1930 film, brought to life with as much vibrancy and clarity as modern technology allows. The video transfer is outstanding, delivering a pristine version of this almost century-old gem. The rich imagery and meticulous attention to detail in the restoration process are evident throughout and provide an immersive viewing experience. The audio is clear and well balanced, complementing rather than overshadowing the visual brilliance, thus maintaining the integrity of Murnau's quintessential art.

The Masters of Cinema's release showcases how silent films can truly shine in high-definition formats. "City Girl" is more accessible than some of Murnau’s earlier works while still bearing his distinct directorial hallmarks. Watching this film offers not only a glimpse into the early days of cinema but also highlights the roots from which modern cinematic techniques have blossomed.

This disc is a prime example of how older films can be treated with love and care to bring them back to audiences with near-pristine quality. Silent films like "City Girl" may seem out of step in today’s CGI-laden world, but they offer a refreshing retreat into the origins of film-making. This Blu-ray release proves why Murnau’s work remains essential viewing. Highly recommended and a must-have for any silent film aficionado or those looking to delve into the historical roots of cinema.